FAQs
About the West Street practice
Why are you closing the West Street practice?
As you may know, the practice has not been used by our clinical staff for around two years since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic as the new infection control requirements made it unsuitable for direct patient care. More recently, however, the building’s owners intend to put the building up for sale meaning we have to vacate the premises and find alternative accommodation.
About the Wootton practice
Why are you relocating from the Wootton practice?
Despite the building being relatively new, having been built in 2014, our landlords Assura have become aware of some structural issues (cracking and movement) which they have been seeking to remedy with structural engineers.
To minimise any disruption for patients’ care, we anticipate needing to relocate from the building on a short-term basis while any necessary work is carried out.
Is the Wootton practice building still safe for staff and patients?
Yes, it is although we clearly need to ensure that remains the case. The new building will meet all the necessary safety and access requirements.
Will the new building be the same as the old one?
Essentially yes although the rebuild will ensure the building meets all the latest access and safety requirements. The project will also enable us to look at making the very best use of the space available.
Will there be any changes to services provided when the new building is in use?
All the services currently offered will be offered in the new building. We always keep our services under review to make sure we offer the best possible care for our patients within the current challenges facing the NHS. That is true irrespective of what building we are using.
Also, many patients are favouring alternative methods of consultation by making use of online services and consultations, which means it may (when clinically indicated) not be necessary to physically visit the surgery in order to access the services you need.
About the temporary Newport location for both branches of the practice
When will this move from the two branches take place?
Everyone involved in the project is committed to resolving these issues quickly and to ensuring that the practice continues to have high quality space for delivering its services to patients. We currently envisage the move to the new premises will take several months and will only take place early to mid-2023. This date could change, and we will update patients and stakeholders as the project progresses.
Why can you not provide a more specific timeframe?
We are currently dealing with many organisations both in terms of rebuilding Wootton and in renovating and moving to the new premises. We have to be sure that all the necessary paperwork is done and that everything is in order so we can offer the best possible service from Newport while Wootton is rebuilt. These things take time. We can however give an assurance that as soon as things are agreed and a timeline is established, that we will inform our patients of the future plans along with an indicative timeline.
Everyone involved in the project is committed to resolving these issues quickly and to ensuring that the practice continues to have high quality space for delivering its services to patients
How long do you think the practice will be based there?
We anticipate around three years. That situation could change depending on the progress of the new build and we will continue to keep patients and stakeholders informed.
I don’t have transport; how will I get to this location once it is up and running?
There is a Southern Vectis stop on Hunnyhill (Service Number 1) and also the Number 39 route that runs hourly from Newport Bus Station through the riverway industrial estate from the morning until early afternoon and stops about 100 metres from the new temporary surgery. Service details can be found here
Also, many patients are now favouring alternative methods of consultation by making use of online services and telephone consultations which means it may (when clinically indicated) not be necessary to physically visit the surgery in order to access the services you need.
Will there be disabled access for patients?
Yes, an external patient lift has been installed to cater for all disabled patients There will also be a dedicated disabled parking made available situated at the front of the temporary surgery.
Will there be parking at the new site?
Yes, there will be some parking available at the new site. Should the need arise there is also the convenience of a Council car park situated nearby (approx. 100 meters from the site).
Will the full range of services be available?
Yes. All the services currently provided at Wootton will be provided at the temporary Newport surgery.
Accessing practice services now
How do we access appointments in the meantime?
There should be a seamless transfer of services from Wootton to the Newport premises. We do not envisage any appointments being cancelled and you will be informed which location you will need to attend when your appointment is made.
Also, many patients are favouring alternative methods of consultation by making use of online services and telephone consultations, which means it may (when clinically indicated) not be necessary to physically visit the surgery in order to access the services you need.
How can I collect prescriptions?
There will be no change to this service. Prescriptions can be collected from your usual pharmacy. For new conditions, prescriptions can be sent electronically by practice staff to your chosen local pharmacy for you to collect.
How will I receive future information about the ongoing situation and return to Wootton?
We will look to communicate information about the practice is several ways including:
- Via our website
- Via notices/leaflets at Wootton Surgery and the new temporary Newport surgery and local public buildings
- Via our new PPG (we are looking for additional volunteers!)
- Via social media
- Via the media
- Via our new Patient Participation Group (we are looking for additional volunteers)
- Via stakeholder groups such as Wootton Parish Council, Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and Healthwatch
